In a remarkable twist of fate that could only be described as a mockery of Greek Cypriot politics, Fidias Panayiotou, a YouTuber famous for his outlandish stunts and social media antics, has secured a seat in the European Parliament as an independent candidate from Cyprus.

This unexpected outcome is a significant development, particularly for Turkish Cypriots who oppose the European Union’s stance on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Fidias, a 24-year-old social media sensation, ran on a platform that criticized the existing political establishment and promoted Eurosceptic views. His campaign, marked by a strong anti-establishment tone, resonated with a broad segment of the electorate disillusioned with the status quo, leveraging his online popularity to engage young voters who are typically apathetic towards traditional politics.

A Victory Amidst Low Turnout

The victory of Fidias is partly attributed to the notably low voter turnout among Greek Cypriots. Many expressed frustration over the electoral process, using the low turnout as an excuse for Fidias' unexpected success. According to Cyprus Mail, voter apathy played a significant role, with many lamenting the lack of engagement from traditional voters. The fact that a YouTuber, rather than a seasoned politician, could secure such a position is seen as a mockery by some, highlighting the disconnect between the electorate and the political elite.

Turkish Cypriot Participation

Interestingly, the elections also saw participation from pro federalist Turkish Cypriots, with several buses crossing the border to vote. While this cross-community participation was theoretically expected, it paradoxically contributed to the election of a candidate like Fidias, who is likely to oppose the EU-backed federation solution. Turkish Cypriots who oppose federalism see this outcome as a positive development, as it signals a shift away from the EU’s preferred solution.

Euroscepticism and the Cyprus Settlement

Fidias’ Eurosceptic stance is particularly welcomed by Turkish Cypriots who oppose the EU’s bi-zonal, bi-communal federation framework. The European Union has long supported this framework as the most viable solution to reunite the island, which has been divided since 1974. However, many Turkish Cypriots prefer a two-state solution, believing it better addresses the realities on the ground and respects their autonomy.

Fidias’ disdain for the EU’s influence and his criticism of the political elites in Brussels suggest he will not support the bi-federal solution. His populist rhetoric and focus on modern issues like artificial intelligence, social media, and cryptocurrencies indicate a departure from traditional approaches to the Cyprus issue.

A Right-Wing Shift

Fidias’ election is part of a broader right-wing shift seen across Europe. The rise of populist and right-wing parties in the European Parliament poses significant challenges to the EU’s policy agenda, including its stance on the Cyprus issue. As noted by Politico, Fidias' victory reflects a growing Eurosceptic and nationalist sentiment that could lead to stricter immigration policies and a weakening of progressive measures like the European Green Deal.

Fidias Panayiotou’s election is a positive development. It represents a shift away from the EU-backed bi-zonal, bi-communal federation framework, which many Turkish Cypriots oppose. Fidias' likely opposition to this framework aligns with the preferences of Turkish Cypriots who favor a two-state solution. The fact that a YouTuber has risen to such a significant political position underscores the unpredictable and often farcical nature of Greek Cypriot politics, highlighting the extent of voter disillusionment with traditional political structures.